Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher) opens South Lakes Foyer

On Thursday 4thAugust, South Lakes Foyer was officially opened by Kelvin Fletcher, the actor who plays Andy Sugden in ITV1’s Emmerdale.  South Lakes Foyer, consisting of 14 one-bedroom flats, conference facilities, offices to-let and a cyber café, is a joint resource between Kendal YWCA and Impact Housing Association. 

Kelvin Fletcher was introduced to the Young People living at South Lakes Foyer, who gave him a tour of the facilities. South Lakes Foyer supports Young People in relation to financial management, information on education, training and job opportunities, health issues and accessing local facilities.  The Foyer also runs groups led by the young people, including art and creative writing groups, and a film club.

Kelvin spent time conversing with the Young People, learning about their time at the Foyer.  Kelvin’s presentation speech spoke of his admiration for the project, telling how much he had enjoyed the opportunity to visit, and how much he would welcome the chance to return in the near future.  He spoke of the correlation between the turnaround that his character in the soap had undergone, and the opportunities provided to the Young People at the South Lakes foyer to improve their own lives.

The event was attended by those people who had helped make the South Lakes Foyer project come to fruition, including stakeholders and local dignitaries.  The Young People living at South Lakes Foyer were given the opportunity to showcase their skills through art displays and slideshows.  They also took part in a photo-shoot with Kelvin, and provided guests with a tour of their flats. One of the Young People took to the stage to do the housekeeping, as well as give a presentation on behalf of her peers.

The event provided an opportunity for exclusively invited guests to learn about what South Lakes Foyer offers to Young People; as well as demonstrating how the service is delivered and its merits for the wider community.